Article: The Politics of Diapers: a Timeline

This article was first featured on Mothering in 2003. I learned a few new things:

"1975, February In comparing the effectiveness of several brands of disposable diapers, Consumer Reports notes that trees are cut down in their manufacture, enteric (intestinal) viruses and live polio viruses from vaccines have been found in feces in disposable diapers removed from “sanitary” landfills, flushing diapers can ruin septic tanks and plumbing lines and damage sewage-treatment plants, and only commercial incinerators can safely burn disposables."

"2000 German study links use of plastic diapers to male infertility. The mean scrotal temperature is significantly higher in all age groups during the periods of plastic diaper use. Plastic diapers seriously undermine the body’s natural ability to keep the scrotum and testicles cool. The researchers call for further research on the impact of increased testicular temperature in infancy on later sperm production. (“Scrotal Temperature is Increased in Disposable Plastic Lined Nappies,” Archives of Disease in Childhood 83, October 2000.)"

Very interesting and disturbing. I guess we take cloth diapers for granted. I would like to see more companies like The Honest company. They are biodegradeable, organic eco-friendly, safe and natural diapers, wipes and lotions.

Those are definitely news to me.. hmm. Makes you think for sure. I also am a firm believer that everything can correlate to something if you make the stretch or parallel.. but I realize the value of cloth diapers!

Before having children I said I'd use cloth. The decision was difficult but looking realistically at living in a very small apartment in a building that did not have laundry in it 'sealed the deal' to using disposable. I use Pampers and Huggies, each diaper worked differently for each child, and at least for me and my family using disposable made the most sense. Please don't think poorly of me because of my use of regular disposable diapers.

***Baby Team Leader Moms.com*** I have been married for over 20 years. My husband and I have eight children ages 18 down to 4 years old. We use to live in Chicago but now live in Canada. I own www.FaithandFamilyReviews.com.